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All plants have their own perks, but with spring in the air we’ve been quickly reminded of the magic of a bulb garden. These unsightly corms (that don’t look far off from onions) end up infusing show-stopping color all throughout your back and front yard.
If you’re set on sourcing the prettiest blooms for your garden beds from spring through to fall, we spoke with two experts who offered their insight on the flowers and plants that offer the best payoff in terms of color and texture.
Meet the Expert
- Laura Janney is a garden expert and the founder of The Inspired Garden, a full service garden and container business with an online course.
- Tammy Sons is the founder and CEO of TN Nursery, which has been active in the industry for over 60 years.
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01
of 12Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the most promising signs that spring is on its way.
“Not only are they deer-resistant, but the blooms will come back year after year and multiply,” says gardening expert Laura Janney. “We love using shades of white, peach, combinations of white and peach, and pale yellows.”
Bloom period: Through spring, blooming for around six weeks.
Care requirements: Partial to full sun, neutral to acidic well-draining soil.
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02
of 12Fritillaria
If you like the look of bluebells and campanula, you’ll love the bell-shaped flowers of fritillaria. Not only will these offer a gorgeous splash of color, but their shape and interesting patterns will make them a must-have on your planting list. Plus, they’re relatively low maintenance.
Bloom period: Spring into early summer for up to three weeks.
Care requirements: Partial to full sun, well-draining soil.
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03
of 12Crocuses
Another seasonal symbol, crocuses are usually the first floral faces to appear at the end of winter. They add pretty pop of color to a garden at a lower level, since they’re shorter than some of their spring counterparts.
Bloom period: Late winter into spring and fall, lasting two to three weeks once bloomed.
Care requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil.
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04
of 12Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
There is something so aesthetically pleasing about the plump little flowers on a grape hyacinth. They give gardens a one-of-a-kind texture and offer a lower-lying bloom for spaces that already have ornamental grasses and taller plants.
Bloom period: Early spring for up to four weeks.
Care requirements: Partial to full sun, moist soil that drains well.
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05
of 12Tulips
What would a spring bulb garden be without tulips? These bulbous plants are too pretty to pass up.
“Unlike daffodils, they usually only last a year or two, so we tend to treat them as annuals and pull them up at the end of the season,” explains Janney. “Tulips are like deer candy, so do not plant unless you have a fenced-in yard.”
Bloom period: Early to late spring and will bloom for one to two weeks.
Care requirements: Full sun, rich soil that drains well.
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06
of 12Iris Reticulata
These are one of the bulbous iris varieties out there, developing from bulbs as opposed to rhizomes. What makes them stand out from other irises and flowers in general is their shorter stature, pretty pattern, and mix of colors. Deer don’t like them and they aren’t too fussy about water either.
Bloom period: Late winter into early spring for one to two weeks.
Care requirements: Partial to full sun, well-draining soil.
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07
of 12Ranunculus
Another option if you’re really looking for that wow factor are ranunculus.
“Tulips, ranunculus, and hyacinths are by far the most beautiful when they bloom out,” says gardening expert Tammy Sons.
It helps, too, that there are so many varieties and hues to choose from—perfect for every gardener.
Bloom period: Early to late spring for close to two months of bloom.
Care requirements: Partial to full sun, loamy soil that drains well.
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08
of 12Hyacinths
These brilliant blooms are condensed bundles of color. There are many to choose from, whether you like a bright splash of white, a bold purply-blue, or a vivid red.
Bloom period: Spring for several weeks.
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade, loose soil that drains well.
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09
of 12Alliums
Alliums may get categorized in your head as herbs or vegetables, but their ornamental cousins are far too beautiful to forget about.
“These whimsical, deer-resistant showstoppers bring the drama—adding height and visual interest to any garden,” says Janney.
Bloom period: Spring and early summer for a few weeks (some varieties also bloom in fall).
Care requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil, not too much watering.
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10
of 12Snowdrops
When you see snowdrops peek out through the ground, it’s a clear indicator that spring is just around the corner. These elegant flowers are known for their blizzard-white color, and they also have a lovely fragrance that’s almond-like.
Bloom period: Late winter into early spring for up to a month or two.
Care requirements: Full sun, loose well-draining soil.
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11
of 12Hellebore
These members of the Ranunculaceae family are a gorgeous addition to your spring planting plans. Hellebores come in a diverse range of colors and offer unique petal shapes that’ll enliven your garden bed.
Bloom period: Spring, for up to a month.
Care requirements: Shade in cooler months, moist, well-drained soil.
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12
of 12Anemones
Not to be confused with the spindly undersea creatures, anemones are a lively flower that are just as mesmerizing to look at. They grow tall and come in all kinds of colors, from blush pink to periwinkle blue.
Bloom period: Up to 10 days (plant bulbs now for autumn blooms).
Care requirements: Direct sun (though some like partial shade), lightly moist soil.
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